Gavin Reid has been elected chair of the Association of British Orchestras (ABO). He succeeds Kathryn McDowell, who has held the position since 2014.
Born in Edinburgh, Reid is currently chief executive of Scottish Chamber Orchestra, a position he has held since August 2016. He has also worked with two other prestigious ensembles: Manchester Camerata (general manager, 2002-06) and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra (director, 2006-2016). Prior to moving into administration he was principal trumpet at Manchester Camerata from 1989-2001.
Commenting on the appointment, ABO director Mark Pemberton said: “It was clear to the board that Gavin Reid can provide the experienced leadership needed to guide the ABO through the next few years, including challenges such as Brexit, public funding and diversity within orchestras.
“Gavin is a strong collaborator, whose great experience in bringing leaders, managers, musicians, audiences and funders together will be invaluable.”
Reid added that: “Our sector faces some tough challenges over the next few years … that said, our orchestras have never been in greater artistic health, never more innovative, never more resilient and never more needed.”
Reid’s first act as chair will be to take part in the ABO Annual Conference, which runs from 24-26 January in Cardiff. The conference theme is ‘collaboration’.